Physical and mental exercise is not only beneficial for your own brain, but can also affect the learning ability of future offspring — at least in mice. This particular form of inheritance is mediated by certain RNA molecules that influence gene activity. These molecules accumulate in both the brain and germ cells following physical and mental activity. Prof. André Fischer and colleagues from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Goettingen and Munich and the University Medical Center Goettingen (UMG) report these findings in the journal Cell Reports. Continue reading “Does physical activity influence the health of future offspring?”
Space is proved hostile to DNA
Spending a year in space not only changes your outlook, it transforms your gene expression. Continue reading “Space is proved hostile to DNA”
Study shows smartphones harm the environment
When we think about climate change, the main sources of carbon emissions that come to mind for most of us are heavy industries like petroleum, mining and transportation.
Rarely do we point the finger at computer technologies. Continue reading “Study shows smartphones harm the environment”
A star disturbed the comets of the solar system 70,000 years ago
About 70,000 years ago, a small reddish star approached our solar system and gravitationally disturbed comets and asteroids. Astronomers from the Complutense University of Madrid and the University of Cambridge have verified that the movement of some of these objects is still marked by that stellar encounter. Continue reading “A star disturbed the comets of the solar system 70,000 years ago”
Netherlands and the future of farming
In a potato field near the Netherlands’ border with Belgium, Dutch farmer Jacob van den Borne is seated in the cabin of an immense harvester before an instrument panel worthy of the starship Enterprise. Continue reading “Netherlands and the future of farming”
Low levels of alcohol good for the brain, study shows
While a couple of glasses of wine can help clear the mind after a busy day, new research shows that it may actually help clean the mind as well. The new study, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports, shows that low levels of alcohol consumption tamp down inflammation and helps the brain clear away toxins, including those associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading “Low levels of alcohol good for the brain, study shows”
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